Abertay celebrates double Athena SWAN success

Abertay celebrates double Athena SWAN success

Abertay University has achieved double success in the Athena SWAN Charter, recognising its work to advance gender equality.

The University as a whole has been awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze Award for the second time, with the institution’s School of Science, Engineering and Technology also successful in achieving the same accolade, marking the first ‘departmental’ award at Abertay.

The charter initially focused on gender equality in STEM disciplines, but was expanded in 2015 to also include academics in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law, as well as professional and support staff and transgender students and staff.

Assessors rate the progression of students into academia, the journey of staff through career milestones, and the working environment provided.

In bidding for the award, a working group from across the University put together an action plan to progress towards gender equality, identifying how Abertay can build on strengths and address weaknesses.

Abertay has committed to working towards:

Gender equality at all levels

Equal representation of women in the academic community

Diversity at management and policy making levels

Increased retention and progression rates of female academics

Sustainable careers for female academics

Members of the Abertay Athena SWAN group welcomed the award.

Dr Nia White, Head of Research and the Graduate School and University Athena SWAN champion said: “This is fantastic recognition of how far we have come and of our commitment to gender equality going forward.

“Engaging with the Athena SWAN principles benefits us all; guiding development of a supportive environment, where opportunity and fair practice is the norm.”

“It is recognition of our commitment to working towards a better workplace, a place where students, academics and support staff benefit from a supportive and inclusive culture that values all staff and students.

“We are committed to eliminating gender bias and becoming a better place to work and study. The Athena SWAN bronze award is an important step on that journey.”